LeBron James has blocked 888 shots in 1,143 NBA games. That’s an average of 0.8 per game. That won’t be etched into James’s Hall of Fame plaque.

James, however, is considered one of the great shot blockers of all time in one category, the chasedown. He usually times his arrival perfectly, swatting the shot from behind, off the backboard, and keeping it inbounds to give his team the chance to gain possession.

James has so mastered the chasedown block that he has thwarted many a fast break, including in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics, when Marcus Morris and Al Horford appeared afraid of the oncoming James.

Morris tried a behind-the-back pass that bounced out of bounds instead of testing the Cavaliers star. Because of his size, speed, and basketball sense, James is a weapon on defense.

“When he’s [getting back] and has the capability of blocking shots from behind, cutting guys off one on one, it’s great for our defense,’’ said Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue.

When asked if James is one of the great shot blockers of all time, Lue said, “Chasedown? Yes.’’

But an argument can be made that James is one of the great shot blockers of all time, period. The numbers don’t show it, but he has altered countless fast breaks. And he has given his team countless possessions with the ability to block shots without fouling. Although he doesn’t have the numbers, James’s influence on opponents’ fast breaks is the best of this generation.

“It all depends on what angle he’s coming at, but he’s probably the best athlete in the world,’’ Celtics forward Jaylen Brown said. “Especially the best one on the basketball floor, and that’s saying a lot because I’m pretty athletic, but he’s the best athlete in the world. Strong, fast, can jump high, and he’s big. I mean, it’s definitely going to alter your shot, but my mind-set is you’re going to have to go get it. I’m going to make you go get it. And he will.’’

Even the thought of James’s pursuit can influence players into making rushed decisions when approaching the rim. He has gained so much of a reputation for the chasedown block, especially when he is near midcourt and the ball is turned over, that players often dribble back and instead set up the offense.

Getting blocked, especially in this age of viral video, can be embarrassing. But it’s part of the game.

“I don’t really care, to be honest,’’ Brown said of getting his shot blocked. “Kyle Korver blocked my shot [in Game 4] and it’s a part of basketball. You continue to move on. I blocked Kevin Love’s shot [in Game 5] and nobody says nothing. Kyle Korver blocks my shot, it’s breaking news. You shake it off and you continue to move forward. It’s not like you lose confidence. Kyle Korver can block my shot 10 times and I’m still walking him down in the post and still using my advantage against him. I don’t care if he blocks it 15 times. I know in my mind he can’t guard me. Period.’’

Said Morris on James: “He’s very athletic. His first step is very quick. He’s a good player, man, on both ends of the court. Does a lot for his team. He definitely creates havoc with his weakside blocks. I just go straight at him. If he blocks it, he blocks it. We’ve all had our shot blocked.

“The thing is you can feel him coming because he’s coming with a lot of force. You just watch it from the weak side. He’s a good team defender, a good personal defender, but you’ve just got to continue to go.’’

James was modest when discussing his ability to block shots. He said because teams such as the Celtics have so many good athletes, he needs to cover ground quickly to disrupt their fast breaks.

But the Celtics aren’t James’s only victims. He has chased down many players who believed they were on the way to an uncontested layup. That was until James turned on the jets and displayed he is indeed the best athlete in the NBA.

“They’re athletic as heck,’’ James said when asked about defending the Celtics’ fast break. “All their guys are under 25 besides Horford, for the most part. When they’re getting out and they’re running, they’re dangerous because of their athleticism. You have to get back and load and trust your second and third line of defense. It’s just what’s needed.’’

SOCIAL STUDIES

Brown involved in latest incident

On the same day the NFL announced its new national anthem policy, requiring players to stand for the anthem or remain in the locker room until it’s done, the Milwaukee Police Department on Wednesday released the disturbing video of the arrest of Bucks rookie guard Sterling Brown, who was apprehended after he parked illegally in a drug store lot at 2 a.m. in January.

Brown continued to play throughout the season without saying a word publicly, and he logged some minutes in the first-round playoff series against the Celtics. But instead of being a player looking to increase his role next season, he’s become another face of the issue regarding police conduct toward people of color.

In April 2015, then-Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha was arrested, and in the process had his leg broken, by police after an altercation outside a New York nightclub. The city of New York agreed to pay Sefolosha, whose father is South African and mother is Swiss, $4 million after he filed a federal lawsuit. He missed the rest of that season.

The NBA has been the country’s most progressive sports league on social issues, supporting its mostly African-American members, and the Bucks released a compelling statement in support of Brown, who plans to file a lawsuit against the Milwaukee Police Department.

“The abuse and intimidation that Sterling experienced at the hands of Milwaukee Police was shameful and inexcusable,’’ the team’s statement read. “Sterling has our full support as he shares his story and takes action to provide accountability.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. It shouldn’t require an incident involving a professional athlete to draw attention to the fact that vulnerable people in our communities have experienced similar, and even worse, treatment.

“We are grateful for the service of many good police officers that courageously protect us, our fans, and our city, but racial biases and abuses of power must not be ignored.

“There needs to be more accountability.

“The Milwaukee Police Department and local officials have acknowledged the challenges they are working to address, and we urge them to enact higher standards and more direct accountability. We all want to be able to trust each and every officer serving to protect us.

“Incidents like this remind us of the injustices that persist. As an organization, we will support Sterling and build on our work with local leaders and organizations to foster safe neighborhoods and better our community.’’

This isn’t the first such incident involving a member of the Bucks. Center John Henson was racially profiled when he and his friends walked into a Milwaukee jewelry store in 2015. And during the series against the Celtics, a restaurant patron’s Instagram post went viral showing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo waiting an unusual amount of time to be seated at a Mexican restaurant just moments after his tip-in won Game 4 for the Bucks.

These incidents are separate and shouldn’t single out Milwaukee as the only major city with racial issues. But these are examples of NBA players facing the same scrutiny as normal folks who can’t dribble or put the ball in the basket.

The NBA has a rule about standing for the national anthem, but the league also encourages its players to speak out on social issues that are important to them. And teams such as the Bucks issue these types of statements in support. The NBA is rightfully considered the most progressive league, and the Bucks statement is another example of that.

The timing of the NFL’s anthem ruling hours before the Brown video release was coincidental, but it was another example of why NFL players envy their NBA brethren for more than just their guaranteed contracts.

ETC.

Curry comparison is OK with Young

Trae Young was one of the best college players in the country last season as a true freshman at Oklahoma. He drew comparisons to a young Stephen Curry for his scoring ability and seemingly unlimited shooting range as a point guard.

Despite his 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound frame, Young decided to enter the draft. He is projected as a top-10 pick, particularly of interest to teams looking for a scoring and facilitating point guard. Projecting Young has been tricky because of Curry’s success.

Curry fell to seventh overall in the 2009 draft, behind Hasheem Thabeet, Tyreke Evans, Ricky Rubio, and Jonny Flynn. It was uncertain whether Curry was a true point guard or an undersized shooting guard who wouldn’t be able to defend the position.

Curry turned into a prolific scoring point guard, which bodes well for Young, who averaged 27.4 points and 8.7 assists in leading the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament.

A question regarding Young is whether he can defend well enough. The Sooners struggled on defense all season and Young had trouble with bigger guards. But he said he is prepared for the next challenge.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to show people I can play defense at this level,’’ he said. “My main focus is getting my body right. I’m in the same process of getting my body ready to be able to handle 82 games in a season.’’

Young is unafraid of the Curry comparisons, and honestly they are enhancing his draft stock. If Young does flourish as an NBA player, which general manager wants to step up and say he passed on Young for a less proven one-and-done because Young didn’t appear to have the size or athleticism to make it in the NBA?

“I love the comparisons,’’ Young said. “He’s a two-time MVP and a champion. I’m trying to be the best version of Trae Young. I feel like I bring a lot of different things from different players to the table. That’s all that matters to me.’’

Young said he would rather be compared to another two-time MVP — Steve Nash. Nash was a maestro on the floor with his ability to orchestrate an offense, pass the ball, and score from midrange. Young has uncanny passing ability but was forced to carry most of the Oklahoma offense with his scoring.

“Steve Nash is my favorite player of all time. With his size and my size, very similar,’’ Young said. “He’s a winner. I feel like a lot of his characteristics match to mine. The fact that I don’t like playing defense, it’s something I look forward to showing people from Day One. I bring an immediate impact off the court as well as on. I can space out the defense. I can attack defenders in multiple ways.’’

The doubts will persist until Young proves he can handle the NBA. So far the Magic, who desperately need a franchise point guard and pick sixth overall, appear to be the most interested team. Young will likely be the first true guard taken.

“I think I’m the best overall player in this draft. My goal is to be the best player in the NBA,’’ Young said. “My main focus is going to the right team. It’s all about the fit for me. Whether that’s 1, or whatever it is, I’m going to be ready to make an impact.’’

Like Curry before him, there are doubts about Young’s athleticism and size, and the ability to thrive in the NBA. Young was one of the biggest surprises in college basketball last season, and the Sooners essentially made the NCAA Tournament because of the selection committee’s desire to showcase Young on its biggest stage.

The next stage will be even bigger, and the pressure will be higher, because of the Curry comparisons and Young’s stellar freshman season. Orlando has seen a lot of its lottery picks falter in recent years, but perhaps Young is the player who could catapult that franchise to long-awaited success.

“A lot of people had me the fourth- or fifth-best point guard in my class. I’ll always have a chip on my shoulder. That won’t change,’’ said Young. “It’s been a lot of hard work to get here. Nobody thought I would be in this situation. Just enjoy and relax and embrace it all. Draft night is going to be a great feeling for me.’’

Layups

The Celtics will likely have an assistant coach opening to fill after Walter McCarty left to take the head job at Evansville University. McCarty worked primarily with the Celtics’ big men, and that job could be critical should Boston take a center in the draft. The Celtics have the 27th pick and could get an opportunity to pick a project big man they would stash in the G-League. Because of their depth, the Celtics don’t need a rookie to contribute next season. Roster spots and playing time will be difficult enough to earn with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back from injuries, as well as players such as Semi Ojeleye and Terry Rozier proving ready for considerable time increases next season. Rookie Guerschon Yabusele will have to dramatically improve over the summer to earn playing time next season. Also, players such as Jabari Bird and Kadeem Allen will challenge for roster spots. Shane Larkin is a free agent who could garner interest as a backup point guard after turning in a solid season in Boston. Aron Baynes is another free agent the Celtics may want back, but it’s likely to be at a higher price than the bargain $4.6 million he’s earning this season. Ownership is not afraid to enter the luxury tax to bring back essentially the same team next season, in addition to Irving and Hayward . . . Suns GM Ryan McDonough said the team’s No. 1 overall pick is available in trade for proven veterans who could help make Phoenix a playoff contender next season. But it may be worth it for the Suns to wait another season because they will be able to sign two players to maximum contracts in 2019 with Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley (earning a combined $23 million) off the books. Brandon Knight, who missed this season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, is still owed $29 million over the next two seasons. McDonough has failed to attract a major free agent to Phoenix, so he will dangle the No. 1 pick to try to get an All-Star-caliber veteran to join Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, and Josh Jackson. The Suns have an exciting core but lack experience. Do the Suns need to add another 20-year-old? Deandre Ayton could be the center of the future, but McDonough is willing to part with the pick for the right price.

Gary Washburn can be reached at gwashburn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @GwashburnGlobe. Material from interviews, wire services, other beat writers, and league and team sources was used in this report.